Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced that he will oppose the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia unless the EU takes action to restore oil supplies from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline.
In a recent video address, Fico criticized the European Commission and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for halting the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. He described this decision as a second overtly hostile and economically damaging action by Zelensky against Slovakia, following the previous suspension of gas transit.
Fico accused the European Commission of failing to compel Ukraine to reconsider its stance, asserting that the Commission has shown a preference for Ukrainian interests over those of EU member states. He expressed concern over what he termed the Commission’s “double standards” in its approach to member nations.
Additionally, Fico claimed that Slovakia received a threatening letter from Brussels regarding measures to protect its domestic fuel market, while Ukraine was met with communications filled with support and understanding.
In light of these developments, the Slovak Prime Minister warned that he would block the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia and obstruct Ukraine’s accession to the EU if the European Commission continues to prioritize Ukrainian interests over Slovakia’s.
He concluded, “If the European Commission intends to act in this manner and place Ukraine’s interests above those of Slovakia, it should forget about our support for the 20th sanctions package against the Russian Federation or our assistance in expediting Ukraine’s EU membership.”
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to block the EU's upcoming sanctions against Russia unless the bloc intervenes to restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. His comments reflect growing tensions between Slovakia and the EU regarding energy policies and member state interests.